Method and apparatus for altering the strength of an encryption system

Abstract

A method and apparatus for altering a strength of an encryption system contained within an electronic device, such as a wireless communication device. A cryptographic key is stored in a memory of the electronic device. A first cipher processor encrypts unencrypted data using the cryptographic key to generate encrypted data, which is provided to a second cipher processor. The second cipher processor decrypts the encrypted data using the cryptographic key to generate the original unencrypted data, which is then provided to a third cipher processor. The third cipher processor encrypts the unencrypted data using the cryptographic key to generate encrypted data.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A wireless communication device comprising an apparatus for altering a strength of an encryption system contained therein, comprising: 
 a memory for storing a cryptographic key;    a first cipher processor for receiving unencrypted data and for generating encrypted data using said cryptographic key and providing said encrypted data to a second cipher processor;    said second cipher processor for decrypting said encrypted data using said cryptographic key to generate said unencrypted data and providing said unencrypted data to a third cipher processor; and    said third cipher processor for encrypting said unencrypted data using said cryptographic key to generate said encrypted data.